Scottsdale, Arizona
Scottsdale (O'odham [Pima]: Vaṣai S-veṣonĭ) is a city located in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA. Named by the New York Times as "The Beverly Hills of the Desert" and by Travel Channel as one of the most luxurious destinations in the nation, Scottsdale has become internationally recognized and regarded as one of the most expensive and posh areas in the United States and a premiere tourist destination.
As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 202,705 (nation's 82nd largest city), while a July 1, 2004 Census estimate put the city's population at 221,130--a 9.1% growth rate.
History
Scottsdale was originally inhabited by the ancient civilizations of the Hohokam and the Anasazi, descendents from the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations of the Mayans and the Aztec. From circa 300 BC to 1400 AD, these ancient civilizations farmed the area and built some of the most ingenious irrigation canals the world has ever known. The name Hohokam translates as "vanished," for one day they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.
The Hohokam's unbelievable legacy was in their creation of more than 125 miles (200 km) of canals to provide water for their agricultural needs. The remnants of this ancient irrigation system were adapted and improved upon in 1868 by the first Anglo company to stake a claim in the Valley of the Sun, when Jack Swilling set up the Swilling Irrigation Canal Company.
Twenty years later Scottsdale's future would turn sharply upwards, when a U.S. Army Chaplain, Winfield Scott, paid the paltry sum of $2.50 an acre for a 640 acre stretch of land where the city is now located. Winfield's brother, George Washington Scott, was the first resident of the town that was then known as Orangedale and later changed to Scottsdale in 1894.
In 1937, internationally renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright set up his "winter camp" at the foot of the McDowell Mountains, creating what is now known as Taliesin West. Scottsdale, and the rest of Phoenix, have seen a huge influence from Frank Lloyd Wright. Many buildings throughout the area were designed by the famous architect. Today, there is a Frank Lloyd Wright memorial in Northern Scottsdale.
In 1951 the Town of Scottsdale was officially incorporated with a population of 2000. Since then it has grown to a 2004 Census estimation of 220,000. It has grown to become Arizona's fifth-largest city, and one of its most celebrated. Today, Scottsdale is routinely defined by its high quality of life, and was named the "Most Livable City" in the United States by the United States Conference of Mayors. It is continually ranked as one of the premier golf and resort destinations in the world, with a sizable portion of tax revenue being derived from tourism. It is also home to the Phoenix Open Golf Tournament held at the Tournament Players Club, which carries the distinction of the best-attended event on the PGA Tour. The city continues to see rapid growth, mainly in the northern areas of the city.
Geography
Scottsdale is located at 33°35'27" North, 111°53'46" West (33.590709, -111.895985)Template:GR.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 477.7 km² (184.4 mi²). 477.1 km² (184.2 mi²) of it is land and 0.6 km² (0.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.12% water.
Cityscape
The city is loosely divided into four ever-changing areas: Old Town/South Scottsdale, Downtown Scottsdale/Civic Center/Fashion Square, Central Scottsdale, and North Scottsdale.
Old Town/South Scottsdale has many streets emulating the cowboy era, stores and primarily western art galleries. Scottsdale's number of art galleries is second only to New York City. This area has also been known for many years as the much poorer region of Scottsdale. Many foodbanks and homeless shelters are located in South Scottsdale, contradicting the overall stereotype of Scottsdale being a bastion of wealth. For many years, South Scottsdale ranked among the nation's cheapest real estate with a median home resale value at $100,000. Many homes in South Scottsdale are much smaller and older than their Northern counterparts. However, in recent years, South Scottsdale has seen a drastic turn of events. According to The Arizona Republic, the average home resale value in South Scottsdale has skyrocketed to $205,000. Many deteriorating buildings will be destroyed and rebuilt in the coming years. South Scottsdale will also soon be home to the new research center for Arizona State University. Old Town/South Scottsdale extends from McDowell Road at the city's southern border, north to Osborn Road.
Downtown Scottsdale/Civic Center/Fashion Square is very close to Old Town Scottsdale, overlapping only a mile south on Scottsdale Road. This area includes many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Streets are usually filled with walking traffic after 10:00pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, as Downtown Scottsdale has one of the highest concentrations of bars and nightclubs in the country. It has also seen a renaissance of sorts in the last five years as city living is sweeping many areas in the nation. The Scottsdale Waterfront will soon anchor the once desolate Arizona Canal banks, and no less than five new ultra-luxury condo towers have been approved, and premium one-bedroom units routinely exceed $1 Million. The condos are estimated to cost between $1-4 million. Tourism has also shot up, with new trendy hotels coming to the area such as The James Hotel, and the revived Valley Ho. Recently accounced was the new W Scottsdale Hotel & Residences, taking a spot in Scottsdale's prime nightclub district. Also nearby is the high-end Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, one of the ten largest malls in the nation, anchored by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy's, Robinsons-May (soon to be Bloomingdale's), and Dillard's. Loosely, this area extends from Osborn Road north to Chaparral Road.
Central Scottsdale is an area where many shows and movies, such as Silk Stalkings, Beverly Hills 90210 and Clueless have come to shoot neighborhood scenes. Real estate in central Scottsdale is certainly booming, ranked as one of the "Top 10 Hot Spots" by Fortune Magazine. According to CNN World Report, the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale real estate has boomed, seeing a 75% increase in value - the greatest change in the nation. Encompassing areas such as McCormick Ranch have seen real estate values jump from $4-500,000 to $700,000. Central Scottsdale routinely sees the demolition of older homes and new million-dollar ones constructed. Some areas, such as Gainey Ranch, remain very expensive and highly desirable in the Phoenix area real estate market; homes in this area see median values in the $1.5-2 million range with many exceeding $5 million. This area extends from Chaparral Road north to approximately Shea Blvd. This area shares many similarities with the neighboring community of Paradise Valley, Arizona.
North Scottsdale is where most new home construction takes place. North Scottsdale is by far the most expansive area in Scottsdale. The city's borders rapidly expand to the east and west in this area, occupying the McDowell Mountain range, now preserved from development by the city. Most of the city's dozens of golf courses are located in North Scottsdale, utilizing the varied desert mountain terrain to create some of the most beautiful courses in the country. Homes in North Scottsdale see median values in the $750,000 range, with a good majority in the newer areas sky-rocketing above $3 and $4 million. This area is also famous for hosting the world-renowned Barrett-Jackson Auto Show. North Scottsdale also attracts car-enthusiasts from all over the world for its collection of luxury car dealerships including Maybach, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Saleen, Lotus, McLaren, Aston Martin, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Maserati.
Nearby Areas
By many locals, the areas of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and the Biltmore Region of Phoenix are often seen as one entity because they share one common characteristic - wealth. This collective area stretching from Scottsdale Road to 24th Street sees premiere restaurants, luxury resorts, and high-end retailers. However, most important, this area has some of the most expensive real estate in Phoenix, with some homes selling as much as $25 million. Many celebrities live in this quiet community for its scenic beauty including Alice Cooper, Dave Mustaine, Rob Halford, Phil Mickelson, Brandy Norwood, Jenna Jameson, Charles Barkley, Wayne Gretzky, Glen Campbell, Leslie Nielsen, Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart, Vince Vaughn and Bil Keane. Many celebrities own second homes in the area, including Britney Spears, Jennifer Aniston, and Jessica Simpson.
Climate
See Phoenix: Climate.
People and culture
- See also: Phoenix: People and culture
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there are 202,705 people, 90,669 households, and 54,492 families residing in the city. The population density is 424.9/km² (1,100.4/mi²). There are 104,974 housing units at an average density of 220.0/km² (569.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 92.19% White, 1.23% Black or African American, 0.61% Native American, 1.96% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 2.27% from other races, and 1.65% from two or more races. 6.96% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 90,669 households out of which 22.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.6% are married couples living together, 7.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 39.9% are non-families. 30.8% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.7% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.22 and the average family size is 2.79.
In the city the population is spread out with 19.3% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 26.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 41 years. For every 100 females there are 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $57,484, and the median income for a family is $73,846. Males have a median income of $51,204 versus $34,739 for females. The per capita income for the city is $39,158. 5.8% of the population and 3.4% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 5.4% of those under the age of 18 and 5.9% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Major Corporations Headquartered in Scottsdale
- Allied Waste Industries (Fortune 500)
- Cold Stone Creamery
- The Dial Corporation
- Discount Tire Company
- General Dynamics Systems
- Go Daddy
- P.F. Chang's China Bistro
- Taser International
Museums and art collections
Ranked as one of the "Top 25 Art Destinations" in the nation, Scottsdale's number of art galleries are only second to New York City. Home to more than 125 art galleries, Scottsdale has quickly become a mega-center for art in the United States. The famed Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Heard Museum, and Scottsdale's Center for the Arts boast unique art from contemporary to musicals to historic Native American.
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Golf
With more than 330 days of sunshine, Scottsdale is best known as a premiere destination in the United States and the world for golfing. Recently named "America’s Best Place to Live for Golf" by the Robb Report, Scottsdale is home to more than 200 area courses offering layouts that range from the rolling green fairways of traditional course architecture to the cactus-studded excitement of desert golf designs. The combined quality and quantity of the city's daily fee golf clubs and courses have labeled Scottsdale a "must-visit" destination for the avid golfer. Scottsdale is home to the Phoenix Open Golf Tournament held at the Tournament Players Club, and later in March, hosts the Ping LPGA Tournament. Scottsdale is also home to many famed professional golfers: Heather Farr, Phil Mickelson, Tom Lehman, Tom Weiskopf, Billy Mayfair, Annika Sörenstam, Andrew Magee, Hale Irwin, Jim Carter, Brandel Chamblee, Kirk Triplett, Jonathon Kaye, Tom Purtzer, Curt Byrum, Gary McCord, Mike Nicolette, Dan Pohl, Jerry Smith, Grace Park, Carin Koch, Danielle Ammaccapane and Dina Ammaccapane.
Some notable Scottsdale golf courses have won several awards, including "Best Golfing" by Golfweek Magazine (Troon Mountain Course), "Best Public Golfing in the US" by Golf Digest (Pinnacle Golf), "Top 10 Courses You Can Play in the US" by Golf Magazine (Grayhawk and DC), and "Best Golf Courses in America" by Golf Magazine (The Boulders and Desert Highlands). Eleven golf instructors were named as "Top 100 Teachers in America" by Golf Magazine.
The Boulders Resort and Golden Spa and Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North were ranked respectively second and third after Pinehurst Resort (which hosted two U.S.Open tournaments) by Travel & Leisure Golf Magazine as the nation's most exclusive golf resorts.
Shopping and nightlife
Scottsdale is the premiere shopping destination of the southwest, home to many upscale and high-end boutiques and shops. With more than 15 shopping centers, Scottsdale is home to myriad designers, from some of the most popular such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton, to rarer luxuries such as Stuart Weitzman, Dana Buchman, and Escada.
Scottsdale continues to expand its plethora of shopping destinations. The current Scottsdale Waterfront project is intended to bring many new high-end luxury retail stores unique to Arizona. City officials hope that current re-development projects, such as the Scottsdale Waterfront, in downtown Scottsdale will heighten Scottsdale's already strong reputation to a new degree.
Westcor, the major Arizona shopping giant, has announced plans to begin construction for Palisene, a luxury mall in north west Scottsdale/Phoenix. This outdoor shopping and residential area is claimed to be different from all previous centers in Arizona. Current planned retailers include Prada, Hermès (both new to Arizona), and Scottsdale's second Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Tiffany's. The shopping mall will include select lower-end retailers, including Banana Republic, Coach, and Abercrombie and Fitch. More luxury retailers are yet to be named. This mall will be anchored by four department stores, including Nordstrom. Westcor is also looking at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Besides shopping, Scottsdale is the location for hordes of night clubs and bars. There are more than 80 night clubs and bars, and Scottsdale has one of the highest concentrations clubs and bars in the United States. Rated as one of the "Top 10 Cities for Best Nightlife" by the Travel Channel, downtown Scottsdale becomes a sea of young people after 10 PM. Many of these clubs and bars are filled with college students from the nearby Scottsdale Community College and Arizona State University.
Tourism
Scottsdale is a premiere tourist destination in the western United States. With its great number of exquisite eateries, 5-star hotels and resorts, luxury golf course, high-end boutiques, and famed night-life, Scottsdale contributes millions of dollars to the economy of Greater Phoenix.
The city is home to more than 70 resorts and hotels and boasts one of the highest numbers of five-star resorts and hotels in the nation. Hotels such as The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North, and Fairmont Princess Resort & Spa routinely see high-profile guests. The Fairmont Princess Resort & Spa was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the "Top 10 Celebrity Hideouts."
It is estimated more than 6 million tourists visited Scottsdale for its horde of nationally-renowned resorts and spas. Named by the Sunset Magazine as the ideal destination for relaxation, Scottsdale's numerous luxury spas have gained national recognition.
However, most important is the warm weather that attracts the most visitors. Scottsdale, and its adjacent neighbors, annually sees thousands of people flood the community during the winter season. These people are dubbed "snow birds" by locals. The beautiful weather hovers around 65 degrees during the winters, making Scottsdale's outdoor activities popular year round. With its number of mountains, Scottsdale attracts hikers for its many trails, preserves, and scenic views. Other popular activities include horseback riding, off-roading, water rafting, and hot air ballooning.
Infrastructure
Government
Scottsdale is governed by a mayor and city council, all of whom are elected "at large" to represent the entire city. A city manager is responsible for the executive leadership of the city staff, as well as implementing council policies, developing programs and budgets to respond to council goals, and ensuring that citizens receive effective and efficient city services. The city manager also serves as the city treasurer.
The current mayor is Mary Manross (term ends June 2008), and the current members of the city council are Council Member Betty Drake, Councilman Wayne Ecton, Councilman W.J. "Jim" Lane, Councilman Robert Littlefield, Councilman Ron McCullagh, and Councilman Kevin J. Osterman. The current city manager is Janet M. Dolan.
Transportation
Scottsdale is conveniently located along state route 101, which provides quick access to Phoenix and other cities in the metro area. Commercial air travel is served primarily by Sky Harbor International Airport, which is located in Phoenix. Also serving the city is Scottsdale Municipal Airport, one of the busiest single-runway facilities in the nation. While the airport serves some tour and commuter flights, it is used mainly by corporate jet traffic. Most high-profile individuals, including actors, executives, and athletes use one of Scottsdale Airport's two private terminals to avoid crowds at Sky Harbor International Airport.
Education
Scottsdale has one school district, Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD). Statistically, SUSD high schools perform the best in the state on standardized testing. The high schools in the district include:
- Arcadia High School
- Chaparral High School
- Coronado High School
- Desert Mountain High School
- Saguaro High School
Sister cities
Scottsdale has four sister cities, as designated by Sister Cities International, Inc. (SCI): Álamos (Sonora, Mexico), Cairns (Queensland, Australia), Interlaken (Switzerland), Kingston (Ontario, Canada).
